The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery is urging Australians to be careful when considering popular medical procedures although it is 'trendy'

'Problems occur when your practitioner gives you someone else's plasma, re-uses needles and uses infected syringes. Unprofessional practices like that can lead to infections and even blood-borne diseases.'

Dr Feiner said the facials are still medical procedures and should never be undertaken in a beauty salon or performed by a beautician.

'Vampire facials should only take place at an approved medical facility by an appropriately trained doctor or nurse,' he said.

'Such professionals must have been trained in the process of venipuncture, the handling of blood products and have meticulous attention in the use of single use, disposable needles and syringes.'

According to the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA), Australians spend about $1 billion per year on non-invasive cosmetic procedures.

WHAT IS A VAMPIRE FACIAL?

Blood is taken from the patient's arm and spun in a centrifuge to separate platelets and plasma from red blood cells.

The pale yellow serum of platelets and plasma is injected into the patients face via micro-needling.

This stimulates collagen production which creates a 'micro injury' and forces the skin to repair itself.

The plasma is spread across the skin, which contains growth factors that act as energy boosts.

This helps increase collagen and elastin production which helps with rehydrating the skin.